I am overwhelmed by the love and support I received on Wednesday for my book signing. Everything was just as I always dreamed it would be. A room full of people I love; in a bookstore I adore; speaking about a book that I'm proud of. To say I walked away happy is and will always be an understatement.

Some highlights of the event for me:

Seeing my name on the "Meet the Author" board. (Wait. THAT'S ME.)

Being introduced by the sweetest events coordinator.

Revealing in the applause as I walked up to the podium.

Looking out into the audience as I spoke and seeing all the smiles from the people I love.

Having my own pitcher and glass of water. (I felt special, guys.)

Answering questions about my precious book. (For an introvert, having dear people listen to the things that matter most to you is a HUGE deal; so to stand there, talking from my heart about the book of my heart, and watching people listen...wow. My heart was full.)

Signing. Books.

It was a dream come true. It was a surreal moment. It was beyond one of the best moments of my life. I can't wait to do it again and again and again. Thank you. For. Everything.

I'm going to post my talk on the site, in case anyone is interested in what I said and couldn't make it.

I'll be sharing all the details later this week -- the after math -- but I just wanted to say THANK YOU for all of your support these past few weeks, leading up to tonight. I could not have done this without all of YOU.

For those of you in the area, I'd love to see you, sign a book for you, answer any questions, etc. Or just wave hello. Whatever your extroverted or introverted choice is. Come by if you can at 6:30pm at Vroman's Pasadena (695 E Colorado Blvd | Pasadena, 91101). Bring a book you've already bought or purchase one there (they've 39 copies for sale!).

I know I wax poetic about The 90 Day Novel--a lot. But it truly has taught me one of the most important lessons in my writing career: characters behave uncharacteristically.

Now, some of you might think, "Duh." But. I have always been a planner. I wrote my first book after painstakingly outlining every intricate detail about every main character. I knew Luke Cedrus better than the back of my hand. I knew how he'd react; how he would respond; how he would feel. To. Everything.

Or did I?

That's where I was when I started reading The 90 Day Novel. But after I read this, I have forever changed my game plan:

Our characters can go anywhere and do anything! Our job is to find reasons to support their choices. This means that when we have an impulse, rather than negating, we must explore reasons that support the action. Let's face it, we probably each do about three far-fetched things every day! What is drama if not the examination of characters behaving uncharacteristically in response to unusual circumstances?...Characters are always behaving uncharacteristically. Our job is to support the behavior of our characters under the circumstances our subconscious has dreamed up.

This blew my mind. You mean, it was OK if my introverted thinker acted irrationally and in an extroverted way? WHAT?

So, as I started writing THE NAMING OF COLTON BLACK, I made sure I let Breslin lead me. I knew her; knew her personality; but I didn't let my "idea" of her direct what she did or how she acted. Instead, I gave her the freedom to act. To do. To respond.

And wow. What a difference that made! I don't think I've ever written a character in such an organic way -- and I love her the most because of it. She taught me things as I let go. She showed me how real she was; not something solely created by me.

The interesting part now? I'm writing the sequel to THE MISSING CRIMOIRE. Which means, I'm writing Luke with this new perspective. While I don't think much of his character will change, I am excited to see him grow. To see how he leads me this time around.

I am in love with Heidi Ryder and her photography. Most fortunately, I knew Heidi back before she went full time as a professional photographer, which means I've had the privilege of having her shoot some of my most precious moments. My engagement, my wedding, and my home. You've seen some of the photos on my accounts, but I wanted to share a few more of my home with you. It is, after all, where I write. Where I feel creative. Where I spend time with my family.

What more can I say? Except THANK YOU! Today is a HUGE day for me -- not only because my second book is out (WHAT), but because you've been along for the ride, supporting me and loving me.

If you'd like to celebrate NBLD by purchasing The Naming of Colton Black, I will love you forever (all the heart eyes).

Head to Amazon to purchase the paperback or Kindle version or to Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena or to their website to purchase the paperback as well.

With the release of this new book, I've got all sorts of goodies coming your way too. Starting with a detailed post about my book signing on August 24th. (FREAKING. OUT.) Plus, fun, new content to the site! EEK!

Until then, what do YOU plan on doing to celebrate National Book Lover's Day?